Senate Panel Backs Hagel Nomination in Party-Line Vote

By

Sara Murray

Updated Feb. 12, 2013 9:17 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON—The Senate Armed Services Committee approved Chuck Hagel's nomination to be defense secretary, splitting along party lines Tuesday as it sent the nomination to the full Senate, where it is likely to face further challenges.

The committee's 14 Democratic members voted to recommend that the full Senate confirm Mr. Hagel's nomination, while 11 Republicans voted against it. One Republican, Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana wasn't present for the vote. Mr. Hagel, a former Republican senator from Nebraska, has faced...